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Two core features of depression are elevations in negative valence system (NVS) functioning and reductions in positive valence system (PVS) functioning. Existing psychological treatments have focused on the NVS and neglected the PVS, which may contribute to sub-optimal outcomes. The present mixed methods multiple randomised baseline case series preliminarily evaluates Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT), a novel depression treatment targeting PVS and NVS disturbance, that aims both to reduce depression and enhance wellbeing. Eleven clinically depressed participants were recruited. Intensive time series analyses showed that 7/11 participants improved on both wellbeing and depression. Reliable and clinically significant improvement was observed for 9/11 participants on at least one of these outcomes (and also across a range of other PVS and NVS outcomes). Group level analyses showed significant pre to post change on all outcomes. Benchmarking analyses indicated these effect sizes were at least comparable (and for some PVS outcomes superior) to existing treatments. Gains were largely sustained over one-year follow-up. Qualitative interviews indicated ADepT was feasible and acceptable. These findings provide preliminary support for ADepT as a novel depression treatment. Further evaluation, directly comparing ADepT to existing treatments using randomised controlled trial designs, is now required.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.brat.2019.103418

Type

Journal article

Journal

Behav Res Ther

Publication Date

09/2019

Volume

120

Keywords

Depression, Negative affect, Positive affect, Resilience, Wellbeing, Adult, Aged, Anhedonia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Depressive Disorder, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Patient Health Questionnaire, Patient Satisfaction, Psychology, Positive, Psychotherapy, Quality of Life, Young Adult